Heilbronn AI Fellowships: DAAD-funded research stays in Germany for AI researchers 2026

What is the Heilbronn AI Fellowship?

The Heilbronn AI Fellowship, run by the DAAD, brings outstanding international researchers to the AI ecosystem on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn in Germany. Fellows join one of the eligible host institutions there, including the DHBW Center for Advanced Studies, the Ferdinand-Steinbeis-Institute, Fraunhofer HNFIZ, Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences and the TUM Campus Heilbronn, for a research stay in artificial intelligence or a related field.

Who can apply?

Postdoctoral researchers who obtained their doctorate no more than five years before applying, and PhD candidates in the final year before their defence, can apply from any country. Applicants must have lived outside Germany throughout the fifteen months before submitting. Very good English is essential, but no language certificate is required.

What does the fellowship pay?

Fellows receive a monthly instalment of EUR 2,800, payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance, and a lump sum for international travel. Stays last between 1 and 12 months and cannot be extended; family benefits may be granted for stays longer than six months.

How and when to apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the DAAD portal and should be submitted at least four months before the intended start. The application is prepared jointly with the host institution and includes a CV, a research proposal, a schedule, a reference and the host's invitation letter.